As a woman, I obviously tend to write about dating from a female perspective and as such, my articles take on a certain bias. However, when there are opportunities to write companion pieces from the male perspective, I feel it's my duty to represent these two sides of the equation in equal balance.
So after writing about the trending online male dating personalities, I took to the streets (OK to my cellphone) to chat with all of my single guy friends to understand some of the female trends they'd been noticing in their dating life. Obviously we all think we have it "THE WORST." Lady daters in NYC can't believe some of the stuff we have to put up with. But after speaking with some of these guys, it seems like we're all kind of in the same boat when it comes to the world of dating. Here's what I learned.
Ms. Basic Bitch
Ladies, forgive me on this one-I'm definitely not one to use this word lightly, but the alliteration is just too darn cute to pass up. This gal is a conformer. She doesn't really stand out of the pack and she's all about what everyone else is doing rather than spending time trying to cultivate her own style. She probably has about 16 Alex and Ani bracelets and a pair of old school Ugg boots chillin' in her closet. And the worst part about the BB? Just like everything else about her, even her thoughts aren't original. Pass.
Ms. Naughty By Night
By day, this gal seems normal. The texts you exchange with her seem pretty chill and you think to yourself, this is the type of girl I could date. But the second happy hour hits, stuff gets weird. She starts drunkenly texting to see where you are. If you wanna hang out. Maybe even asks for a naughty pic (or sends one). Starts telling you all the things she wants you to do to her. Sure, she's fun. But maybe not necessarily 'dating material.'
Ms. Prima Donna
There's a name for this girl in every culture. The one that I can sadly relate to the most, is the JAP (Jewish American Princess) She won't go out with you unless you are willing to drop some serious cash, and take her somewhere for dinner (as if she'd meet for drinks alone!) that's equal parts classy and trendy. She wants you to open doors for her, pull out chairs for her and dote on her to the max. She takes the notion of chivalry to a ridiculous level. Some men like a woman who demands this sort of treatment. Others? Not so much.
Ms. Flaky/Ms. Workaholic
It's 6:30 at night. The two of you are supposed to meet for drinks in a half hour. Right as you're walking out the door she texts you, sorry something came up, can't make it tonight. Or she's stuck at the office working late--again. OK. These things happen. So you wait a week and try to set up another date. Same thing. By the third attempt--and subsequent cancellation--it's time to apply the 'Three strikes and you're out' policy. It's NYC. Everyone works. Everyone's busy. If dating is really a priority, you find the time.
Ms. Never Say Never
This one's a doozy. You met her about a year ago. Had a great time chatting. Felt a genuine connection. You exchanged numbers and asked her on a date. She couldn't that night. She was busy but wanted to find another night that works. Time passes and each time you ask her out, it's the same deal--she never says no which leads you to think she's at least somewhat interested. But she never says yes either. You know you should just cut it off and move on but there's something intriguing about her that keeps you coming back for the abuse. The sad truth is, she'll keep playing you like that--and loving the attention--until you get a clue.
Gentlemen, I hope you feel I've done due diligence on the ladies, but please let me know if I left anyone out. Ladies, sorry if I've offended any of you (as I'm sure I have). But take comfort in knowing that you're (hopefully) not like any of these women. Or at least not like all of these women.